BREAKING NEWS
Advertise with us >

Peshawar Zalmi beat Multan Sultans by 24 runs, move top of PSL 11 table

Peshawar Zalmi

KARACHI:  Peshawar Zalmi secured a comfortable 24-run victory over Multan Sultans in Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11, registering their fifth win of the tournament.

After being put in to bat, Peshawar Zalmi posted an impressive 196 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Kusal Mendis led the charge with a brilliant 68, while Mohammad Haris contributed a quickfire 38. Babar Azam scored 18, Saim Ayub added 30, and Michael Bracewell chipped in with 14 runs.

For Multan Sultans, Mohammad Ismail and Peter Siddle took two wickets each.

Chasing 197, Multan Sultans were restricted to 172 for 8 in their 20 overs. Shan Masood top-scored with 35, while Josh Philippe made 32.

Zalmi’s bowling attack was led by Sufiyan Muqeem, who picked up three wickets, while Iftikhar Ahmed and Nahid Rana claimed two wickets each.

With this win, Peshawar Zalmi moved to the top of the points table with 11 points from six matches, including one no-result, while Multan Sultans remain second with 8 points.

US Central Command begins mine clearance operations in Strait of Hormuz

US Central Command

Washington: The United States Central Command has launched operations to remove naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to ensure the safety of a key global shipping route.

US Admiral Brad Cooper stated that the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. and USS Michael Murphy have successfully transited the strait, with two missile-equipped destroyers deployed in the region.

He emphasized that the United States is committed to keeping the waterway secure and has accelerated measures to ensure that this vital corridor for global trade remains open and safe.

CENTCOM further said that details of the secured route will soon be shared with the maritime industry to facilitate safe navigation and restore confidence in shipping operations.

Babar Azam becomes first player to reach 4,000 PSL runs

Babar Azam

KARACHI: Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has created history in the Pakistan Super League by becoming the first player to score 4,000 runs in the tournament.

The milestone was achieved during a PSL 11 match against Lahore Qalandars, where the Peshawar Zalmi captain reached the landmark, further cementing his status as one of the league’s most consistent performers.

Babar has represented Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, and Peshawar Zalmi during his PSL career. He has played 105 matches so far, registering 2 centuries and 37 half-centuries.

In addition to this achievement, Babar Azam has also equaled the record for most century partnerships in T20 cricket, reaching 46 such stands in his career.

He now shares the record with Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle. Notably, Babar achieved this milestone in just 339 innings, compared to Gayle’s 455 and Kohli’s 400 innings, highlighting his remarkable consistency and efficiency in the shortest format.

UN Chief expresses optimism over Islamabad talks

UN Chief

New York: Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has expressed optimism regarding the ongoing Islamabad negotiations, highlighting Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran.

Guterres stated that Pakistan has provided a valuable diplomatic opportunity for both sides, helping to reduce tensions and create space for constructive engagement.

He added that United Nations envoys are present in the region to support ongoing diplomatic efforts and promote peaceful resolution of conflicts.

The UN chief emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue, noting that such initiatives are crucial for de-escalation and long-term regional stability.

Kingsmen edge past Karachi Kings in thrilling run chase

Kingsmen edge

KARACHI: In an exciting clash at National Bank Stadium, Hyderabad Kings Men defeated Karachi Kings by four wickets in their first-ever meeting in Pakistan Super League.

After winning the toss, Hyderabad captain Marnus Labuschagne opted to field first, inviting Karachi Kings to bat. Karachi posted a competitive total of 188 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.

Young batter Saad Baig led the scoring with a composed 53, while captain Moeen Ali smashed a quickfire 44 off just 16 balls, including five sixes.

For Hyderabad, Hunaid Shah impressed with the ball, picking up three wickets.

Chasing 189, Hyderabad Kingsmen got off to a strong start thanks to Saim Ayub, who scored 67 runs to lay the foundation.

Despite a middle-order wobble, Hasan Khan played a blistering knock of 33 runs off 16 balls at a strike rate of over 200 to guide his team to victory in 19.1 overs, while Irfan Khan remained unbeaten on 29.

For Karachi Kings, Abbas Afridi claimed two wickets but could not prevent his team from suffering a second consecutive defeat.

Notably, this was the first-ever match between the two sides, as Hyderabad Kings Men are making their debut appearance in the league this season.

Donald Trump warns of military action if Iran talks fail

Donald Trump

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has warned that military action against Iran could resume if ongoing negotiations fail to produce results.

In a phone interview with the New York Post, Trump said that it would become clear within the next 24 hours whether the talks are successful or not, adding that failure would lead to a stronger and more intense military response.

He claimed that Iran has limited leverage, stating that Tehran has no real bargaining power except for short-term pressure in maritime routes.

Donald Trump further said that Iran’s survival is currently linked to the negotiations, and accused Iranian leadership of being more skilled in “public relations and misinformation” than in warfare.

The remarks come amid high-level diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran, with Pakistan facilitating talks in Islamabad.

JD Vance heads to Pakistan to lead US delegation in Iran talks

JD Vance

ISLAMABAD: US Vice President JD Vance has departed from Maryland for Pakistan to lead the American delegation in upcoming negotiations with Iran, which are being facilitated through Pakistan’s mediation.

Speaking to the media at the airport before his departure, JD Vance said he is participating in the talks under the guidelines of US President Donald Trump, expressing optimism that discussions with Iran would remain positive.

He stated that if the Iranian leadership engages in sincere and constructive dialogue, the United States is ready to move forward with an open mind.

 However, he warned that if Tehran does not demonstrate seriousness or attempts to manipulate the process, the US delegation will not respond positively.

The Iran–US talks are scheduled to take place in Islamabad tomorrow under Pakistan’s mediation.

The US delegation will be led by JD Vance and will include special envoy Steve Witkoff and former presidential advisor Jared Kushner.

The Iranian delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Pakistan Women crush Turks and Caicos Islands 8-0 in historic FIFA series win

Pakistan Women

Pakistan Women’s Football Team produced a dominant performance in the FIFA Series, defeating Turks and Caicos Islands Women’s Football Team 8-0 to secure a record-breaking victory.

The match, played in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, marked Pakistan’s biggest-ever winning margin in international women’s football.

From the outset, Pakistan controlled the game, taking a commanding 4-0 lead at halftime. Zahmina Malik, Aqsa Mushtaq, Laila Banaras, and Maryam Mahmood scored in the first half to put the team firmly in control.

In the second half, Pakistan maintained their attacking momentum, adding four more goals. Laila Banaras and Aqsa Mushtaq scored again, while Nadia Khan and Asra Khan also found the net.

The emphatic win surpasses Pakistan’s previous best result, a 7-0 victory over Maldives, marking a historic milestone for the national women’s side in international football.

Rawalpindi suffer fifth consecutive defeat

Rawalpindi suffer

KARACHI: Quetta Gladiators delivered a dominant performance to defeat Rawalpindi by 61 runs in a Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 match at National Bank Stadium, handing their opponents a fifth consecutive loss in the tournament.

Chasing a target of 183, Rawalpindi’s batting lineup collapsed and was bowled out for 121 in 17.3 overs. Saad Masood top-scored with 31 runs, while Daryl Mitchell contributed 30 and Yasir Khan added 22. Captain Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed for a duck, and Usman Khawaja managed just 7 runs.

For Quetta, Usman Tariq, Saud Shakeel, and Jahandad Khan picked up two wickets each to dismantle the opposition.

Earlier, Quetta Gladiators posted 182/6 in their allotted overs. Rilee Rossouw led the charge with 52 runs, while skipper Saud Shakeel added 42.

Hasan Nawaz played a blistering knock of 39 off just 16 balls, and Jahandad Khan chipped in with a quickfire 21 off 6 deliveries.

For Rawalpindi, Ben Sears claimed three wickets, while Mohammad Amir took two and Mubasir Khan picked up one.

Earlier, Rawalpindi captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and elected to field first.

Rawalpindi are still searching for their first win in the tournament, having lost all five matches so far, while Quetta have secured one victory in four games.